Othella Peters

OTHELLA WHITFIELD PETERS, age 82, of Jacksonville passed from this life on December 29, 2007 following a 20 year battle with cancer. She was born in Pearcy, Arkansas, April 22, 1925. She was the daughter of the late Floyd and Lena Whitfield. Mrs. Peters was a member of the Bethel United Methodist Church (UMC). She was a devoted wife and loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
Mrs. Peters worked as an accountant in the early years of her marriage. She was a companion in ministry with her husband for more than 30 years. Mrs. Peters was active in all levels of the United Methodist Church in Arkansas. She was a leader in the United Methodist Women (UMW) serving on the Missions Planning Team that organized and planned the Arkansas School of Christian Missions that is held annually for the Arkansas Area of the United Methodist Church. Mrs. Peters served on the old North Arkansas Conference Nominating Committee of the United Methodist Women and the Nominating Committee of the old North Arkansas Annual Conference. She provided leadership for the UMW organization in local churches served by her husband. She also researched the family genealogy and enjoyed passing down family stories from previous generations. Mrs. Peters? grandfather was instrumental in the development of the Bethel UMC more than 100 years ago.
Mrs. Peters is survived by her husband of 61 years, the Rev. Muriel H. Peters, of Jacksonville, two sons Don Peters (Kay) of Jacksonville and Dale Peters (Ann) of North Little Rock, one daughter Debbie Cribbs (J. D.) of Jacksonville, six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Lena Whitfield, and an infant brother.
Visitation will be December 30, 2007, Sunday from 2 to 4 pm at the North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main, 758-1170. Funeral services will be held at 2 pm, Monday, December 31, 2007 at the Bethel United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at the Bethel Cemetery. Ministers officiating at the funeral service are Dr. Jon Mac Taylor and Rev. Earl Carter.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Bethel United Methodist Church, c/o Cheryl Garner, 9423 Trail Run Road, North Little Rock, Arkansas 72120 or the Arkansas Hospice, Inc., 5600 W. 12th, Little Rock, Arkansas 72204. We offer our deepest appreciation for the service rendered by Peggy Soules and Dana Harrison of Arkansas Hospice, Inc. Online obituary and guest register at www.nlrfh.com.